Mark Nawaqanitawase’s high-profile defection to rugby union may have been the first big move in the ongoing code battle — but it certainly won’t be the last. Reports suggest the Wallabies’ recruiters are circling around more Roosters, with Angus Crichton and Siua Wong both emerging as prime targets for a potential switch. It’s a development that could once again ignite the fierce rivalry between the NRL and Rugby Australia, and leave the Roosters with some tough retention calls ahead of the 2026 season.
Crichton’s name, of course, carries serious weight on both sides of the fence. Before becoming one of the NRL’s elite edge forwards, the hard-hitting New South Wales Origin star spent his schoolboy years playing rugby at Scots College and represented the Australian Schoolboys. His athleticism, power, and ball skills make him the kind of forward rugby union has been desperate to lure back — the prototype of a modern flanker or centre who could thrive in the Wallabies setup. After rediscovering some of his best form in 2025, Crichton has put himself back in the spotlight, and with his Roosters deal nearing its end, Rugby Australia’s interest is no surprise.
Then there’s Siua Wong — one of the NRL’s most promising young talents. At just 21, the Fiji-born backrower has impressed with his work rate, versatility, and defensive edge, quickly becoming a key part of the Roosters’ next-generation pack. His ability to run smart lines and contest high balls gives him a natural crossover skillset that rugby union scouts love. If Rugby Australia is serious about investing in youth and building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil, Wong fits the profile perfectly. His international eligibility for Fiji also adds an intriguing dynamic, as both Fiji Rugby and the Wallabies would no doubt love to bring him into their respective systems.
For the Roosters, the potential double raid poses a significant challenge. The Bondi club has long been known for its professionalism, culture, and player retention — yet with rugby union aggressively chasing NRL stars again, that stability could be tested. Nawaqanitawase’s exit already hurt from a marketing and depth standpoint, and losing Crichton or Wong would hit even harder on-field. Both players represent crucial pieces of Trent Robinson’s system — Crichton as a veteran leader, and Wong as a rising star groomed for a long-term role.
From Rugby Australia’s perspective, these moves are strategic. After years of decline, the code is fighting to reclaim lost ground and rebuild its credibility through high-profile signings. The allure of the 2027 World Cup, combined with Eddie Jones’ player identification legacy and Joseph Suaalii’s upcoming transition, has reignited their pursuit of NRL athletes.
Ultimately, it comes down to timing and opportunity. If Rugby Australia can offer the right financial package and a genuine pathway to international rugby, they’ll be in with a shot. But prising players from the Roosters — a club renowned for its loyalty and culture — is easier said than done.
One thing is clear: Nawaqanitawase’s move may have opened the door, but the code war between rugby league and union is only just heating up.
